It is mid-July and I cannot get enough of summer!
We had a bit of a health scare earlier in the summer, but since moving past that, it has truly been such a precious summer. Maybe that is why. Life- threatening health scares can be the best perspective changer, and I feel so overwhelmed and thankful when I think of how I get to experience continued health.
I am loving the daily rhythm of the summer. I have been starting each day quite early in order to get some outdoor exercise in before it gets too hot out. It has been so good for my body and soul to experience nature on a daily basis! I’ve been posting bits of my mornings in nature on InstaStory. I love capturing the beauty!
My summer mornings are quite structured with coffee, God-time, breakfast, outdoor exercise and blog work; but once afternoon hits I make myself completely available for my girls. Time with them has been so wonderful.
Our evenings are very chill. I’m making my way through a novel with late night reading. I also love watching recorded television with my Todd and our youngest. My other 2 girls often have friends over and I have especially loved getting to know my Teagan’s guy, who is over often and is top notch!
Last night we spent time at my inlaws pool grilling out and spending time together as a family. I love when summer weeknights feel like a weekend night! Oh, how I love summer!
Weekly Goals
Meal Plan — grocery list +5 meals
Dates — my Todd, my girls, one close friend
Do a Pin —How To Make Yummy Carrot Bacon {cheaper than regular bacon, and full of vitamin A!}
Reading Progress — The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up; Nothing To Prove; Chasing Slow: The Letter -{Best Seller–only a 1.99 Kindle version right now! I’m over halfway through and it is good.}
Daily Personal Health Goals
Spiritual — journal, Scripture, pray, meditate
Move Body — walk/jog, yoga or strength training
Hydrate + Nutrients — water (80 oz a day); leafy greens & berries, vitamins, powdered greens, seeds
Everyday Home Goals
{doing these things every day has changed my world!}
Make Bed
Wipe Surfaces (quick wipe bathroom sinks/counters, kitchen counters, tables)
Clutter (quick pick up and a few minutes wherever it is accumulating)
One Full Load (dishwasher & laundry–don’t stop until dishes and clothes are put away!)
Floors (quick sweep, vacuum & spot clean — if needed)
A Chore A Day Goals
{these daily chores have been key to keeping my house clean in minutes a day!}
M – Bathrooms (all but the floor…that will come on Thursday!)
T – Dusting (“work quickly, top to bottom, left to right” –Clean Mama)
W – Vacuuming (just the middles will do)
Th – Floors (sweep & mop)
F – You choose! (did you miss a day? No worries. Fridays are catch up days!)
Sa – towels & sheets (nothing like fresh sheets and towels!)
Su – none (just do Everyday Home Goals listed above)
{Homekeeping Goals Inspired by Clean Mama’s Simply Clean Book}
Anti-Procrastination Free Printable
{want this FREE printable? keep scrolling}
Latest Obsessions
{some are affiliate links}
Yep, I’m obsessed with a toothbrush. My daughter needed a new toothbrush before heading to camp and said, “Mom, can you get me one that is in a cool color?” When I shopped for her toothbrush, I noticed all of the toothbrushes came in bright primary colors–blue, red, yellow, green. Not cool. Too bright and jarring to look cool, even in a cute mason jar in the bathroom.
The ONLY ones I found that were not jarring bright colors were by Oral B Pro Health. They were muted and would look so much better sitting in a mason jar in our bathroom cabinet, so I bought several. Click through to see what I mean when I say cool, muted colors.
When I brought them home they were daughter approved. Bonus? They work SO well, much better than the toothbrush I was using before. They get in all the nooks and crannies and the texture on the backside of the head give the inside of your cheeks a nice little massage while using! Makes me happy.
RMO Lavender Essential Oil Roll-On
I ordered RMO Essential Oils Lavender Roll-On and I can’t believe how great it works. Lavender is super calming, so if I’m having a stressful day or just finding it hard to relax I will simply roll a bit on my wrist and within a few minutes feel much calmer. It really helps when I want to slow my mind down and live more presently. I love to roll it on when setting in with a good book or when I’m on the go and want to feel really present with my people and enjoy even the busy run around!
I’ve used other roller brands but RMO is truly my favorite. The lavender smells so pure and the roller ball is metal instead of plastic which feels really cooling. This is extra awesome when I have a headache. I will just roll it right onto my temples or neck and it takes my headache away within minutes. It is amazing how lavender works! My favorite essential oil for sure.
I’d really like to try all 5 of these roll-ons. Especially the Tranquility Roll-On Blend. Of course, it has lavender in it!
If you read this post I wrote on RXProtein Bars, you will know why I’m obsessed. If not, click through to read it! All protein bars are not created equal, and these are one of the few that I feel are actually worth spending money on! They are a bit pricey, but I cut mine in half to make 2 snacks in a day, so that is kinda like getting a snack for 1/2 price, right? Plus, if the snack is nutritious and filling, it is totally worth it to me!
Ongoing Obsessions
Kindle Fire
This ongoing obsession with my Kindle Fire is not letting up. I especially love using it in the evenings when tucked in bed. It’s like my own perfect sized, personal television. Before I indulge in watching Netflix, Amazon Prime shows, or my fav YouTube Channels, I make sure I read at least a chapter or two of whatever book is on my Kindle. I love using the same device to both read and watch.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Still using it daily and love it! The Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser by AromaSoft is amazing for getting the scent out into larger rooms. It is priced very reasonably and works so well! After buying 4 other diffusers, I did some research, read a ton of reviews, and bought this one. I’m so happy I did!
Recipes I’m Making This Week
{I follow a loose guide every week: usually Tuesdays are taco night, Thursdays are Spaghetti night, Fridays we order out for family night, Saturdays are Leftovers, Sundays are after church Crockpot or InstantPot Meals. Mondays & Wednesday I get more creative with the menu}
{summer is extra loose–I’ve switched it up a bit this week because of a pool house grill out at Grandpa & Grandmas.
M -Tacos — beef & “crockpot refried beans without the refry”
T – Grill Out –burgers, kale salad, fruit, veg tray
W -Salmon Burgers & Salad with Homemade Dressing (so good you want to drink it!)
T – Spaghetti night (with homemade sauce sweetened with carrots!)
F – Family night (order out)
Sat – Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Su – Crockpot or Instantpot– Instant Pot Thai Chicken (ready-to-eat after church!)
{Watch my Instagram Stories for a glimpse of the making of these recipes. I often capture my cooking process!}
Instant Pot Weekly Staples
Crockpot Bone Broth (made it in Instant Pot this time)
Instant Pot Yogurt | Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats | Instant Pot Quinoa |
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs | Instant Pot Black Beans
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What are you wanting to get done this week?
What recipes are you planning on making?
Are you on Pinterest? Share a favorite pin you want to accomplish.
